Hi, Political Pigeon here with a real treat for all of our readers.  Today we have a great opportunity to interview Dr. Susan Dellinger.  Dr. Dellinger is the author of Red Legs and Black Sox and is Edd Roush’s granddaughter.  Edd Roush played with the Reds in the 1919 World Series and is now enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.  So enough talk from me, let’s get on with the interview. The interview.

Q: How present was gambling and “fixing” baseball games during that time period?
Although concealed from the public, gambling in baseball was quite common in the first two decades of the 20th Century. In fact, the country was immersed in a gambling culture at the time. There is some evidence that the 1917 World Series involved a fix, and several regular season games involving Detroit and Chicago.
Q:  How did the Reds deal with the well-known rumors of the “fix”?
As a team, the Reds were not aware of any “fix” rumors until well after the World Series.  Edd Roush was tipped off by a gambler in Cincinnati after the 2nd game, but didn’t believe the rumor.
Q:  What did the Reds think of players like Jackson and Weaver?
Jackson and Weaver were both fine players and competitors on the field. Shoeless Joe was the American League “slugger” who was pitted against Edd Roush (NL batting champ) in the 1919 World Series.
Q:  What was the Reds reaction after the banning?
Most Reds believed that the White (Black) Sox got what was coming to them.
Q:  Did the Reds feel cheated because of the “fix”?
The Reds players never believed that the Sox threw the whole Series.  Edd Roush said that they may have thrown Game 1, but then the gamblers double-crossed them and they didn’t get their money. After Game 1, they went out and tried to win.  The Reds players all believed they had won the World Series, fair and square!
Q:  Do you think the “fix” and the resulting bans were good for baseball in the long run?
Yes. Judge Landis and the owners were trying to “clean up baseball.” BUT.... they covered up the World Series Fix for a full year before one of the gamblers (Billy Maharg) reported it to the press.
Q:  Do you ever see an expansion team taking the name “Pigeons”?
Why not? There are other “bird brain” teams: Blue Jays, Osprey, Silver and Red Hawks, Red Wings, Red Birds, Cardinals, Mud Hens, Ironbirds, Orioles, Shorebirds, Jethawks.... and even Pelicans!
Thank you Dr. Dellinger.  We appreciate both your time and your answers.  And yes, if the Mud Hens have a team, the Pigeons can’t be far behind.  Far behind.  Check out Dr. Dellinger’s book here.